Many of the employees have walked off the job to promote their fight for a higher $15 an hour wage, right to form unions without retaliation, and the end to unfair labor practices, according to media reports and a release issued Thursday morning by Berlin Rosen Public Affairs, a New York-based public relations firm representing labor groups and religious groups from the various cities.

In addition, U.S. Representative John Conyers Jr., D-Detroit, and SEIU President Mary Kay Henry were expected to join a 1:30 p.m. march from the Spirit of Detroit statue to a rally at Grand Circus Park.

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Strikes were scheduled to occur at the McDonald’s on North Saginaw Street in Flint, McDonald’s on West Eight Mile Road in Detroit, Tim Hortons on South Opdyke Road in Pontiac, a Checker’s in Lincoln Park, and a Pizza Hut location in Lansing.

A statement in the press release reads: “Our country’s fastest-growing jobs are also the lowest paid, slowing our recovery and hurting our local economy. While the fast food industry is making record profits, its workers can’t afford the basics such as rent or food.”

At least one fast-food chain responded to the protests this morning.

“The story promoted by the individuals organizing these events does not provide an accurate picture of what it means to work at McDonald’s,” said Linda Santo, a spokeswoman for McDonald’s Corp., based in Oak Brook, Ill. “We respect the strong relationship which exists among McDonald’s, our independent operators, and the employees who work in McDonald’s restaurants. Our restaurants remain open with our dedicated employees providing strong service to our customers.

“McDonald’s aims to offer competitive pay and benefits to our employees. We provide training and professional development for all of those who wish to take advantage of those opportunities. Our history is full of examples of individuals who worked their first job with McDonald’s and went on to successful careers both within and outside of McDonald’s.”